Ayakashi is the collective name for yÅkai that appear on the surface of bodies of water. In Nagasaki Prefecture, the atmospheric ghost lights that appear on the water are called ayakashi, and the funayūrei in …
The Nekomata is a type of cat mentioned in folklore. There are two very different types: those that live in the mountains, and those that grow indoors, aging and transforming. It is often confused with …
Pazuzu is a fearsome demon that was first introduced through Sumerian mythology. While Pazuzu is considered a fearsome demon, he is also seen as a protector against certain evils. Pazuzu’s origins as a demon have …
Inugami or “Dog God” is a Japanese urban legend about a very powerful curse that is created when a dog transforms into an evil spirit. It is a spiritual possession by the spirit of a …
Ryujin (aka Ryu-o) is the dragon king, god of the sea, and master of snakes in Japanese mythology. With his magical jewels, he is responsible for the tides and represents both the dangers and generosity …
History Like the komainu “lion dogs,”the shisa are a variant of the guardian lions of China. Beginning in the Edo period, in mainland Japan they began to be called “guardian dogs.” In general,the gender is …
Hecatonchires: A story never told. Like mortals, the gods could take each other as husband and wife and give birth to children. Sometimes, however, a child could be born into the world in a terrible …
Avalokiteśvara or Padmapani is a supreme deity who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. In Tibet, he is known as Chenrezik. In Chinese Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara has become the somewhat different female figure of Guanyin. In …
In Greek mythology, she was a talented mortal weaver who challenged Athena, goddess of wisdom and craftsmanship, to a weaving contest; this arrogance led to her transformation into a spider. There are many versions of …
The Valknut is a symbol in Norse mythology representing three interlocking triangles. The name ‘Valknut’ is a modern word, meaning ‘killed warrior’s knot’, and was recently coined in Norwegian. The Valknut symbol itself, however, dates …
